The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke Isegun, Eruku, in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, on Sunday held a solemn service inside its blood-splattered auditorium, days after armed bandits launched a deadly attack that left three worshippers dead and 38 abducted.
The church, still reeling from Tuesday night’s assault, officially confirmed on Sunday that 38 persons were kidnapped—an update that contradicts earlier social media reports claiming more than 60 were taken.
The Church secretary, Michael Agbabiaka said an initial list of 35 abducted congregants was later updated after verifying that three non-members were also taken during the violent invasion.
“We don’t want misinformation. We have 38 people inside the bush,” Agbabiaka said. “Three died, and one person is receiving treatment at the hospital.”
He added that the kidnappers, who initially demanded a staggering ransom of N100 million per victim, later reduced the demand to N20 million each, before cutting off communication entirely on Friday.
Despite fear and uncertainty in the community, church leaders encouraged members to attend Sunday service to maintain spiritual strength. Only a handful turned up.
“We thank God for life today,” Agbabiaka said. “Only a few people came because it has not been easy, but God gave us courage. We also thank the government for deploying security. Operatives are patrolling the town and are present in the church.”
During the emotionally charged service, the presiding pastor, Bamidele Lawrence, described the attack as a test of faith. Citing 2 Peter 3:10, he reassured the worshippers that he had received divine assurances about the safe return of those who had been abducted.
“The first promise God gave me is that all our kidnapped members will gain their freedom very soon,” he said. “They will not die in captivity. It will be a miracle to the world when our people regain their freedom.”
He also told the congregation that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity would attract divine intervention, urging them not to succumb to fear.
One of the affected congregants, James Ige—whose wife and son were abducted—made a passionate appeal to authorities.
“I beg the government and security agencies to do everything within their capacity to bring my family back safely,” he said.
PUNCH Online observed heavy security presence in Eruku on Sunday, including soldiers, operatives of the Special Tactical Squad from Force Headquarters, SWAT teams, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara State Police Command, and local vigilantes. The deployment follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering a joint rescue operation.
Kwara State has seen a surge in bandit attacks in recent months, particularly across border communities in Ekiti and Kaima LGAs. The Eruku church attack adds to a growing list of kidnappings targeting travellers, residents, and now worshippers—heightening fears of expanding criminal networks operating across Kwara, Niger, and Kogi States.
